Kyle Larson secured his second career NASCAR Cup Series championship on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, cementing his place among the elite by finishing third and out-pacing his fellow contenders using a bold two-tire pit strategy. The accomplishment marks a significant milestone for Larson as the 18th multiple-time champion in series history and places the spotlight on the Kyle Larson Cup champion story at the heart of a dramatic season conclusion.
Larson’s Pit Gamble Delivers Second Championship
During a tense closing sequence at Phoenix Raceway, Kyle Larson used a two-tire pit stop to gain track position over the other championship hopefuls. His strategic move paid off as he stayed ahead in the overtime laps, finishing third in the race but well positioned to claim the 2023 Cup crown. This triumph adds another trophy for both Larson and Hendrick Motorsports, who celebrated their 15th team championship exactly three decades after their first title, won in 1995 with Jeff Gordon.
Standouts on the Track
Ryan Blaney crossed the finish line first to take the race win, his fourth victory of the year, setting a personal best for Cup wins in a single season. Despite not competing for the championship due to elimination in the previous round, Blaney made the most of the season’s conclusion.
“I do find it ironic that my first win here is not in the championship, but at the same time, no, I’m not beating ourselves up over what happened last week (failing to advance to the title race). We’re going to enjoy this one as much as we can, because it was the goal for this weekend.”
– Ryan Blaney, Driver
Brad Keselowski secured a strong second-place finish after making the tough decision not to pit ahead of the overtime restart. While Keselowski did not capture a win in 2023, his three second-place finishes—including two in the postseason—highlight his consistent competitiveness. Kyle Busch, meanwhile, rounded out the top five with a season-best oval result, matching earlier fifth-place runs at Circuit of the Americas and the Chicago Street Race, providing a positive closing note on an otherwise inconsistent season.
Teams Facing Challenges
For Kaulig Racing, the race and weekend were plagued with tire troubles. AJ Allmendinger suffered a crash during practice that forced him into a backup car, only to be struck with another tire issue during the race and finishing last in a field of 38. Ty Dillon, his teammate, also experienced a tire-related spin and ended the day in 35th position, capping a difficult finale for the organization. Bubba Wallace’s day was cut short after brake issues relegated him to a 37th-place finish, making it a frustrating end to his season.
The Impacts and What Lies Ahead
Kyle Larson’s victory as the Cup champion not only underlines his skill but also reinforces Hendrick Motorsports’ dominant presence in the sport, celebrating their legacy with another major achievement. As teams reflect on the intensity and unpredictability of this season, new questions emerge about strategies, reliability, and adapting to continue performing under pressure. All eyes will turn to the offseason as drivers and organizations regroup and aim to build on lessons learned during this memorable Phoenix finale.
